Research Engineer – EO/IR Image Processing

Awetomaton; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days PTO

401k company match up to IRS limits

Health plan with HSA

Tech and Wellness reimbursement

Profit sharing

MacBook laptop

Job summary

Awetomaton seeks a Research Engineer to support the TAP Lab at the Boulder Ground Information Facility (BGIF) in Boulder, CO. You will adapt, train, evaluate, and transition a prototype that detects and separates closely spaced objects in EO/IR imagery, using Python, NumPy, scikit-image, and PyTorch.

Expect on-site work and a SECRET clearance. Ideal candidates hold a BS or higher in engineering, CS, physics, math, or related field with 3–7 years of relevant experience, and will prepare sensor

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related engineering discipline.
• At least three years of experience in image processing, computer vision, machine learning, imagery science, or related engineering field.
• At least one year of professional Python development experience.
• Experience developing or evaluating algorithms for EO/IR imagery or comparable sensor data.
• Experience using NumPy and at least one image-processing or machine-learning framework.
• Experience preparing datasets and quantitatively evaluating algorithm performance.
• Proficiency with Git.
• Active SECRET security clearance.
• Ability to work on-site at the BGIF in Boulder, Colorado.

Responsibilities

• Communicate technical results effectively in written and verbal form to engineers, users, and decision-makers.
• Demonstrate initiative when working with limited guidance or ambiguous requirements.
• Translate operational needs into measurable algorithm requirements and experiments.
• Apply sound scientific methods to algorithm development, evaluation, and validation.
• Produce clear, reproducible, and maintainable research software.
• Collaborate effectively within a small, multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Python development

Image processing

Machine learning

NumPy

scikit-image

PyTorch

Git

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or related field

Tools

NumPy

scikit-image

PyTorch

Job description

Boulder, CO

Awetomaton is seeking a Research Engineer to support the TAP Lab at the Boulder Ground Information Facility (BGIF) in Boulder, Colorado. You will work with a small team to adapt, train, evaluate, and transition a prototype application that detects and separates closely spaced objects in EO/IR imagery. In this role, you will acquire and prepare representative sensor data, evaluate algorithm performance, and adapt the prototype to perform effectively on real-world imagery. You will apply expertise in imagery science, image processing, and machine learning while developing software in Python using NumPy, scikit-image, PyTorch, and modern software engineering practices. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a related field, with three to seven years of relevant experience.

This position must be performed on-site at the BGIF in Boulder, Colorado. An active SECRET security clearance is required. The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000-$155,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and other job-related considerations. We are considering candidates through September, with a planned start date in October 2026.

Criteria for success

• Communicate technical results effectively in written and verbal form to engineers, users, and decision-makers.
• Demonstrate initiative when working with limited guidance or ambiguous requirements.
• Translate operational needs into measurable algorithm requirements and experiments.
• Apply sound scientific methods to algorithm development, evaluation, and validation.
• Produce clear, reproducible, and maintainable research software.
• Collaborate effectively within a small, multidisciplinary team.

Required Experience and Skills

• Bachelor of Science in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related engineering discipline.
• At least three years of experience in image processing, computer vision, machine learning, imagery science, or related engineering field.
• At least one year of professional Python development experience.cept? Wait there is a mis-typo. We correct to follow spec but keep as in original.|???
• Experience developing or evaluating algorithms for EO/IR imagery or comparable sensor data.
• Experience using NumPy and at least one image-processing or machine-learning framework.
• Experience preparing datasets and quantitatively evaluating algorithm performance.
• Proficiency with software configuration management using Git.
• Active SECRET security clearance.
• Ability to work on-site at the BGIF in Boulder, Colorado.

Desired Education and Experience

• Bachelor or Master of Science in computer science, electrical engineering, software engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Experience with OPIR or GEOINT imagery and data exploitation.
• Experience developing image-processing algorithms with scikit-image.
• Experience training, adapting, or evaluating models with PyTorch.
• Experience with point-source detection, object separation, image segmentation, or related techniques.
• Experience with sensor calibration, image correction, noise characterization, or image-quality assessment.
• Experience developing modular, reusable software using object-oriented design practices.
• Familiarity with Protocol Buffers, container technologies, Kubernetes, and operational software deployment.
• Experience with Docker, Podman, or similar container technologies.

About Awetomaton

We build software that enables humans to make informed decisions from raw intel data, with a specialization in satellite collection. We are a Dayton-based defense startup that believes there is a critical skill & culture gap - one we are filling with high-output, mission focused engineering talent. Results matter to our customers. We've never lost a customer because we deliver what we need. Awetomaton is where you do work that matters with a passionate team in an environment that inspires your creativity.

We provide industry leading benefits that balance your health & wellbeing today, as well as lay a solid financial future into retirement. Highlights of our benefit plan include:

• Flexible time off totaling 36 days / year. No approvals required.
• 100% 401k company match up to IRS annual limits. This is a benefit of up to $24,500 for 2026.
• Health plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield with Health Savings Account (HSA). We pay 95% of employee premiums including family plans.
• Employee favorite: Tech and Wellness reimbursement of $3000 / year. Treat yourself with the newest gadgets or athletic gear. No approvals required.
• Annual profit sharing as 401k contribution. No set percent and dependent on annual company performance. Benefit is above and beyond 401k match.
• MacBook laptop and well-equipped office spaces for optimal productivity in office and on-the-go.